Council at forefront of NSW disaster recovery and resilience

Blue Mountains City Council is at the forefront of activity on disaster recovery planning and community resilience in NSW.

Ward 3 Councillor and nurse, Shae Foenander represented Council at the recent Australian Disaster Resilience Conference held in September. The aim of the conference was to encourage involvement, participation, engagement and partnerships around all facets of disaster resilience.

“The conference provided valuable insight to how the approach to disaster resilience is changing around the globe.

“Blue Mountains is well placed to contribute to this national conversation about strengthening resilience and recovery through better emergency preparedness; mapping areas of vulnerability; and connectedness of the local community and emergency organisations.”

Cr Foenander has also represented the Council at the Resilient Sydney round table led by Sydney City Council earlier this year. 

“Resilience is not just about preparedness prior to bush fire season”, said Cr Foenander. There are many components to building a resilient community that have long lasting effects - first and foremost is a strong sense of community.”

The NSW Government’s Office of Emergency Management has selected Blue Mountains City Council to pilot two projects relating to community resilience networks and local recovery planning.

The Blue Mountains Local Emergency Management Committee established a local Recovery and Resilience Sub-committee following the 2013 bushfires, an approach that had not been used anywhere in NSW. The Office of Emergency Management recognises the potential of this recovery model for other communities in NSW.

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill said, “I am proud that Blue Mountains City Council, along with emergency services and the community sector, is playing an important role in disaster recovery planning and community resilience. 

“The resilience of the City of Blue Mountains was truly tested with the October 2013 bushfires. Our community achieved, and learned, a great deal from this experience”, he said. “Our key learning, as a City, united in disaster, is the value of partnerships and social cohesion.”

Photo: Cr Shae Foenander, at the October 2013 bushfires commemorative plaque in Springwood said Council is at the forefront of disaster recovery planning and community resilience in NSW.